Longhorns avoiding payback storyline

AUSTIN — Revenge is the reason ESPN’s “College GameDay” is coming. Revenge is the reason this game was moved up on the schedule, and into prime time. Revenge is the reason a large throng of media descended on the Texas Longhorns’ press luncheon on Monday, and the reason why many people will watch the Longhorns host Texas Tech this Saturday.

But to hear the Longhorns tell it, revenge has nothing to do with their preparation for the Red Raiders this week. It doesn’t matter that Tech’s last-second victory in Lubbock last November was single-handedly responsible for ruining UT’s perfect season, and perhaps a national championship. It doesn’t matter that highlights from that game have been played during every other commercial break and highlight show for the past 10 months.

The Longhorns say they aren’t focused on payback.

“It’s just another game for us,” UT quarterback Colt McCoy said. “I’ve never been a revenge-type guy.”

Said Mack Brown: “We sure shouldn’t get back to negatives. It will not be our whole focus.”

In personnel news:

Running back: Redshirt freshman Tre’ Newton, who had 62 yards on eight carries against Wyoming, is listed as this week’s co-starter at tailback. Brown said it’s partially because Vondrell McGee dinged his knee, but Newton appears to be here to stay. The coaches trust him to do everything well — run, catch passes and block — and the opportunity to carry the ball 20 times per game is there.

Offensive line: Michael Huey, who missed the Wyoming game with an ankle injury, will play against Tech and is listed as a co-starter with David Snow at right guard. Mason Walters remains out.

Defensive line: True freshman defensive end Tevin Mims played against Wyoming, burning his redshirt in the process, and will be part of the rotation against Tech. Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp pointed out that rushing the passer “is the most exerting thing you do defensively,” and he now has eight players he can rotate through the four line positions.